(*) Bonus Tracks
The first French jazzman to embrace bebop with true enthusiasm was without a doubt alto saxophonist Hubert Fol (1925-1995). He took to the new style when he was barely 20 years old, the moment he heard Charlie Parker on record, and he immediately began practicing. His prowess grew rapidly, and soon he had an opportunity to prove himself.
In the summer of 1947, he formed a sextet called "The Be-Bop Minstrels." The name was a clear statement of the stylistic message of the group, and their avant-garde playing impressed Charles Delaunay, who invited them to record for his label, Swing. The group's first visit to the studios took place on July 4th, and the session resulted in the first bebop sides recorded in France.
Hubert quickly became one of the most capable French bebop players, and most of the great foreign musicians who visited Europe enjoyed playing with him: Coleman Hawkins, Don Byas and Dizzy himself, in addition to Rex Stewart, John Lewis, Kenny Clarke, James Moody, Jimmy Raney and others.
Hubert Fol always had a loyal following in France. For as long as he played, from 1950 until 1964, he was ranked the number one alto saxophonist in Jazz Hot's yearly poll, making him one of the most honored jazz musicians in France.
Sources CD-1:
Tracks #1 & 3, Swing SW.260
Tracks #2 & 4, Swing SW.269
Tracks #5 & 8, Swing SW.278
Tracks #6 & 7, Swing unreleased
Tracks #9 & 12, Swing SW.291
Tracks #10 & 11, Swing SW.298
Track #13, "Jeunesse du Jazz" RTF broadcast
Tracks #15 & 17, Swing SW.325
Tracks #14 & 16, Swing SW.330
Track #18, Swing SW.331
Track #19, radio broadcast
Sources CD-2:
Track #1 & 2, Swing SW.339
Track #3, Swing 344
Tracks #4 & 5, Swing unreleased
Tracks #6 & 7, Swing SW.355
Tracks #8-10, Philips P.77.101 L
Tracks #11-13, Barclay 45 EP 74016
Tracks #14-18, Pathe ST 1034